The documentary series about the Six Nations tournament arrives on Netflix, showcasing the Scottish rugby team’s time at the facilities of Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort.
When the Scottish national team begins its training camp at Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort before taking on the Six Nations tournament, the first day welcomes them with rain. The atmosphere is laid-back: everyone is joking around, aware that the Mediterranean sun will be shining on them for the rest of their stay.
This anecdote is far more than a simple curiosity; it points to something that sets the hotel apart from others, providing elite teams with a superb climate and first-class sports facilities, which are essential in getting ready for any competitive challenge.
Under clear skies with mild temperatures, outdoor training is key to the team’s mood. The four natural grass pitches, maintained by Royalverd (internationally renowned specialists in LaLiga stadium maintenance), ensure a perfect playing surface for both rugby and football.
In addition to this, there is a state-of-the-art gym, field-side changing rooms, meeting rooms equipped for tactical analysis, and a spa designed for athletes’ recovery and well-being.
The quality of the sports facilities and the stable weather not only help the physical and technical training, but also foster team-building. The resort’s shared areas and proximity to the beach let teams disconnect from the pressure, build bonds and reconnect with their aims.
The Scottish experience is a clear example: after their stay in Oliva Nova, the team achieved a historic victory against England, their eternal rival. It was a success that, as the Netflix series on the Six Nations tournament shows, has a lot to do with the quality of the environment where it was created. The cameras capture how the tranquillity, weather and facilities become factors that make a difference to a team’s performance and morale.
Nevertheless, rugby is not the only sport that chooses Oliva Nova for its operational base. Throughout the year, Spanish and international football teams like Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Levante UD, Getafe and the Spanish women’s national team have all held training camps prior to key competitions.
Professional cycling also uses Oliva Nova as a regular place to meet up, with teams such as Cofidis, Quick Step and Polti-Kometa taking advantage of the area’s climate and routes for their pre-season training.
And of course, international horse-riding shines in its own right thanks to the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour, which takes place every spring and autumn, turning the Oliva Nova Equestrian Centre into the world capital of show jumping.
Golfers, padel tennis players and watersports enthusiasts can also find services to meet their expectations. All of this takes place in a delightful natural setting with direct access to more than 10 kilometres of fine white sand beaches, surrounded by olive and orange groves, and with a range of leisure and culinary services that round off the experience for athletes and their companions with numerous different dining options depending on the time of year when they visit the facilities.
